Dear Parents/Carers,                   

As we come to the close of Term 3, I want to take this opportunity to pause and give thanks. My mind is drawn back to our Dads and Donuts celebration for Father’s Day — a new adventure for our school, and one that was embraced so warmly by our community. I am especially grateful to Mrs Stanley, Mrs Milne, and the many parents who gave their time and energy to organise the morning (often with toddlers in tow!). Your generosity of spirit was on display as we gathered to honour our dads at assembly, complete with a raffle and plenty of joy. Our Parents and Friends Association continues to remind me of the gift of connection, which can be challenging in a growing school, yet is always worth nurturing.

I would also like to let you know that I will be on renewal leave during the first four weeks of Term 4, returning on 6 November. In my absence, Mrs Brunetta will take on the role of Acting Principal, while Mrs Mourinho will step into the Acting Assistant Principal position. Both bring valuable experience to these roles, having supported other schools in similar capacities, and I am deeply grateful for their willingness to serve our community in this way.

For me, this leave will be a time of renewal as I join a pilgrimage to Ireland, Rome, and Assisi. Leadership in Catholic education can be both a privilege and a complex responsibility, and opportunities such as this allow us to remain grounded in our faith and refreshed in spirit.

Finally, I want to thank you — our parent community — for the trust you place in us, and for walking alongside us as we work together for the growth and flourishing of your children.

With gratitude,

Michael Reardon
Principal

Staff Development Day – Growing Together for Student Success

On Monday, 22 September, our teachers participated in a full day of professional learning. These days are an important part of school life, as they give staff the opportunity to step away from the classroom and come together as a team to reflect, share ideas, and plan for the future. The focus of the day was on strengthening teaching practice, supporting student wellbeing, and preparing for changes in the curriculum so that every child continues to thrive.

The morning began with teachers working in grade-based Professional Learning Teams (PLTs). These sessions provided time for staff to reflect on the collaborative inquiry work they have been undertaking throughout the year. Teachers explored questions such as: What have we learnt through this process? What challenges have we faced? How have these changes impacted student learning? By reflecting on these questions, teachers were able to share successes, learn from one another, and plan ways to build on this work in future inquiry cycles. This collaboration ensures that all students benefit from evidence-based teaching practices that are refined and improved over time.

Midday, staff engaged in a session on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L). PB4L is a whole-school approach that helps create safe, supportive, and consistent environments where children can learn and grow. During the session, teachers explored how their classroom practices and expectations align with the school’s PB4L framework. This work is vital, as it not only strengthens behaviour management but also supports the wellbeing of every student, helping them to feel a sense of belonging and respect at school.

In the afternoon, teachers turned their attention to curriculum development. Staff undertook the NESA professional learning module for the new Curriculum, which will see PDHPE and Science & Technology implemented in 2026. This session focused on The structure of the K-6 Syllabus; the evidence base that the syllabi were built around and the importance of vocabulary and language development in students.

The day closed with staff sharing their reflections, key takeaways, and commitments for how they will apply their learning in classrooms moving forward. Days like this are not only about professional growth but also about strengthening our shared commitment as a school community to place students at the centre of all we do.

We thank our families for their support on pupil-free days like this one. Your understanding allows our teachers the time and space to engage in meaningful professional learning. The investment we make in staff development directly benefits your children, ensuring they are supported by dedicated teachers who are well-prepared, confident, and united in their efforts to provide the best possible learning environment.

Sheereen Brunetta
Assistant Principal

Students Not Returning in 2026

Families with students from Kindergarten to Year 5 (excluding Year 6 students) who will not be returning to St Paul’s in 2025 are requested to complete the attached form and return to the school office as soon as possible.

Supporting Catholic Mission This October

Did you know that October is Catholic Mission Month? This is a time when the global Catholic Church comes together to support communities in need.

Our school captains, Maddison and Craig, along with Mrs. Debrincat and Mrs. Brunetta, recently attended the Catholic Mission Launch at Magdalene Catholic College. They joined representatives from Catholic schools across the diocese to kick off this year’s campaign, which is all about ‘Reaching out and Giving Life.’

This year's mission focuses on helping communities in Zambia. Over the next month, we will be working together as a school to support Catholic Mission's efforts to provide life-changing opportunities for those who need them most. We look forward to sharing more about our plans soon!

School Disco - Parent Volunteers

Community Notice